I believe that Federal Law says that you cannot discharge untreated sewage
within 3 nautical miles of shore. I would assume that your anchorage or
harbor would be within that distance. Your options would be a type 1, type
2, or a type 3 treatment system. If your area is classified a "No Discharge
Zone" then only a type 3 would be legal.

Type 1 & 2 are treatment plants (LectraSan and others) while a type 3 is a
holding tank.

If you direct discharge then your discharge valve is required to be locked
while within the 3 mile distance. If the Coast Guard were to board you for
a routine inspection and your head is not legal you could be finned.


"Falky foo" wrote in message
m...
Been shopping around for sail boats here in Calif. One guy has one at a
great price, but it was built in 1970 and "doesn't have a holding tank."
Does that mean that your crap flushes straight into the ocean? Is that
even
legal? Can a holding tank be fitted easily or would that be super
expensive? I plan on leaving the thing at anchorage and on moorings, not
in
a marina. But I don't want to be arrested when big turds bob to the
surface
around my boat (I inhale a lot when I eat). Do anchorages require holding
tanks?

I must admit I know next to nothing about marine sanitation.

Thanks!